December, we all know, is about holidays, family gatherings and homemade cookies.
It's also about giving back with year-end contributions.
There are so many causes to consider. So many in our community who need assistance. Children with cancer. Women and men escaping abusive relationships. Individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. Children in foster care. Seniors needing caregivers or simply companionship. Community organizations protecting our history and our environment.
Find a cause you care deeply about and join in. Everyone has something to give. Whether you have time to volunteer your time regularly or can offer a year-end monetary gift, every little bit counts.
Here is a list of great charitable organizations to get you started. We would love to hear from our readers about others that they support. Tell us on Facebook (troycitylifestyle) or Instagram (troycitylifestyle).
AgeWays (formerly Area Agency on Aging)
Formerly the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers in southeast Michigan. AgeWays helps people access services and programs to live independently and with dignity in their own home or with family caregivers. The organization provides direct care programs for seniors, and funding and support for programs offered by community partner organizations. AgeWays.org
Another Way Pregnancy Care Center
Another Way is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering free, confidential pregnancy tests; limited obstetric ultrasounds to verify pregnancy, viability and gestational age; parenthood mentoring for men and women; relationship guidance; clothing, diapers and other material goods; Medicaid/WIC program information, and more. Give monetarily or donate baby and maternity items. awpcfriends.org
Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan
The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan, formerly Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan, is a non-profit organization based in Farmington Hills, benefiting Michigan blood cancer patients and their families. The Foundation supports individuals and families through financial assistance, social and emotional support, and education and resources. BloodCancerFoundationMI.org
Chaldean Cultural Center
The Chaldean Cultural Center in West Bloomfield celebrates and explores the extraordinary history, arts, traditions and contributions of the Chaldean people from ancient times to the present, serving as a repository for the collected history and stories. By forging relationships with other educational and cultural institutions, the CCC not only nurtures pride within the Chaldean community, but also promotes greater understanding among communities as part of cultural diversity. ChaldeanCulturalCenter.org
Common Ground
Recognized as one of the most comprehensive crisis service agencies in the nation, Common Ground offers 24/7 confidential crisis support to people in moments of crisis, whether they’re dealing with a mental health emergency, need counseling or emergency shelter, or just need someone to talk to. CommonGroundHelps.org
Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
The Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition creates partnerships to help reduce high-risk behaviors in West Bloomfield youth including alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. This is accomplished through prevention activities, collaborations with community stakeholders, and educational programs for parents, in schools and in the community. gwbcoalition.org
Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing history of our community. It has virtual exhibits containing more than 4,000 photos and scores of documents about local historical treasures to ensure they are remembered. Give monetarily or donate local historical items. GWBHS.org
JARC
JARC is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving people with developmental disabilities via group homes, independent living support and in-home respite care. Today, JARC serves 120 individuals with developmental disabilities in 45 locations, including 24-hour care in group homes and independent living settings for adults, and respite services within the family home for children, teens and young adults. JARC.org
The Jewish Community Center
With people across generations searching for more meaningful connections, explore The J – the organization with the most programming, events and activities tailored to Jewish families in southeastern Michigan. Discover countless opportunities to nurture your Jewish soul, build friendships, try new things, challenge yourself, share stories and learn how to be an even better human being. Donations play a central role in the continuing physical, social, spiritual and educational well-being of the Jewish community of metro Detroit. TheJDetroit.org
Leadership Oakland
Established in 1990, Leadership Oakland is a 501 (c)(3) organization focused on business and community leadership development. The organization provides a nine-month Cornerstone Program to participants from businesses, organizations and governmental agencies that are selected based on an application process. Leadership Oakland graduates are key business and community leaders serving as catalysts on boards of various organizations throughout the region. LeadershipOakland.com
The New Foster Care
The New Foster Care is committed to making a transformative change in the Michigan foster care system and a measurable and meaningful impact in the lives of children who have experienced foster care. The organization achieves this through direct service programs that directly impact children; partnering with state and local agencies; and policy and legislative action. TheNewFosterCare.org
Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids
Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids Wellness Center and Salon is a local grassroots non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing wigs and support services at no charge to children and young adults experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, trichotillomania, burns and other disorders. Their wig recipients, also known as Ambassadors, range in age from 3 to 18. Every wig is custom-fitted, age-appropriate and individually cut and styled to help them feel comfortable and confident. Wigs4Kids.org
Oakland County Foster Closet
The Oakland County Foster Closet is a 501c(3) non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization providing, at no cost, clothing, shoes, hygiene items, school supplies and more to foster, at-risk, adopted and qualified low-income children. OCFC operates on monetary, in-kind donations, fundraisers and grants. It is their mission to foster hope, love and community one child at a time. ocfostercloset.org
On the Wings of Angels
On the Wings of Angels fights against domestic or physical abuse, offering help with legal advice, food and grocery needs, child care, mentorship and counseling, housing and other supportive needs. Do you need a therapist? A doctor? Attorney? Advocate for you and your children? Support? Friendship? Contact OTWOA to be plugged into the best solutions for your specific needs. OTWOA.org
ReLeaf Michigan
Releaf Michigan is Michigan’s only statewide tree planting and education non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Releaf works with 677 communities and organizations across our state to protect and restore urban tree canopies. The group’s mission is to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant and maintain them. ReleafMichigan.org